Game 3: Spurs Dominate Heat

    The Miami Heat went through a rude awakening in Game 3 on Tuesday night as they were routed by the San Antonio Spurs 113-77 at AT&T Center. It was the largest playoff defeat by the Heat in franchise history and the 36-point margin was the third largest in NBA Finals history. The Spurs set an NBA Finals record with 16 three-point shots made in one game.
    LeBron James compiled a double-double for Miami with 15 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in 39 minutes of play. Chris Bosh also picked up a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds in 32 minutes while Dwyane Wade added a team-high 16 points with five assists and four steals in 34 minutes. Reserve Mike Miller had 15 points in 22 minutes and Mario Chalmers was held scoreless.
    The Spurs got excessive scoring from Danny Green with a team-high 27 points in 31 minutes and Gary Neal who came off the bench with 24 points in 25 minutes. Tim Duncan knocked down a double-double with 12 points with 14 rebounds in 29 minutes while Kawhi Leonard also had a double-double with 14 points, 12 rebounds and four steals. Tony Parker was held to six points and eight assists in 27 minutes.
    With the exception of a 2-2 tie, San Antonio led the entire game from wire-to-wire. The Spurs scooted out to an 11-4 lead at the start of the game and were ahead 24-20 after one quarter. The Heat fell behind by double digits at 43-32 with 3:27 left in the first half before they scored ten consecutive points during a 12-1 rally to tie the game. They gave up two three-point shots by Parker and Neal in the final 26 seconds and were down 50-44 at halftime.
    San Antonio extended their margin to 21 points as they got on 23-8 run at the start of the third quarter and were up 73-52 with 2:56 left in the period. They held a 78-53 lead at the end of three quarters. The Spurs outscored the Heat 35-14 in the fourth quarter to make this a lopsided victory for them. Miami was down 102-71 with 5:43 left in the game when they pulled out their starting lineup.